Mary (Nee Wong) Woo

Mary Woo (nee Wong) passed away peacefully at her home of 62 years on December 22, 2023, at the age of 94 with family at her side.

Mary was born November 27, 1929 in Seattle where her early working years were spent as a beautician at various shops before getting married on her birthday in 1954.  She spent the ensuing years at home raising her children, and later helping care for her grandchildren.  She enjoyed many things including shopping, visiting family and friends, going out and eating anything sweet, and playing pickleball with friends before it was cool!  She was willing to try camping at Kalaloch and fishing at Neah Bay, but liked traveling much more with her husband to many places--Hawaii, California, Arizona, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Australia were some of the adventures near and far.  In her later years, she enjoyed time at the casino with her lucky frogs and playing the White Lion slots as the most recent favorite.  Mom resided at the Merrill Gardens Renton Centre for a short time, and we are grateful to the aunties, uncles, staff, and other residents at the community for their care and companionship before her final trip home.

In addition to her parents Dut Wong and Woo Shee, she was also preceded in death by her husband Jerry, and siblings Daisy Owyang, Wong brothers Robert, Jerry, Phillip, Albert, and Richard, and Josh Suehiro.  She leaves behind her children and spouses Steven Woo (Wendy); Jeri-Marie Honda (Jeff); Pamela Haruta (Stanley); and Scott Woo (Lillian) as well as her 6 grandchildren Alison Haruta, Michael Haruta, Delanie Honda, Tara Woo, Lucas Woo, and Colten Woo.  She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Sandra Wong, Pauline Chinn, Margery Woo, and Carol Suehiro along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We will miss her many childhood stories and the many “mom-wisdoms” passed along during her time including:  Because I said so (in response to “why?”);  It’s better than a hot stick in your eye (if we felt disappointment getting something);  Put an egg in your shoe and beat it (when she wanted one to leave); Some people are just happiest when they’re complaining (dealing with difficult people); and the more recent Hey, I’m 94 years old so I must be doing something right! (in response to critiques on her diet).   Her smiling presence will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in March with a private burial to be held in the spring.  The family asks that any remembrances be made to the organization or cause of your choice, and that you be sure to hug your loved ones often.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Services Lake View -